I have
had two excellent family oriented weekends back to back. Normally that wouldn’t
lead directly to a blog but I am feeling an appreciation for all satisfying
experiences now more than ever.
It all
began two weeks ago when I attended the reception for my newest cousin who had
just been christened. Turns out that girl really knew how to throw a party. Too
bad she slept through it all.
As we sat
at the big long table (there were two, one for each side of the family) we were
still chatting away when we were asked to pick our entrees. I have to tell you
I changed my mind literally ten times. I was hoping when the waiter got to me I
would even remember what I had chosen. Apparently there were no bad choices,
just huge portions.
As it was
a Sunday the place was hopping. There were Italian families sitting at big
tables eating smoking hot food everywhere you looked. When our waiter arrived
his accent and appearance charmed most of the table, cousins of both genders.
To be honest I was only paying attention to the food.
Appetizers
had been pre-selected by our hosts and I am pretty sure there was every kind of
food group present. I of course inhaled everything, just to be thorough. There
was salad, fried calamari, baked calms with crabmeat, bacon wrapped shrimp,
stuffed mushrooms, eggplant rollatini, and mussels. There were probably other
offerings but those are the ones I clearly remember throwing down my piehole.
To be fair, I wasn’t the only one. The rapid eating only increased as we each
took a bite of something else and screamed for someone to try it. I could not
believe that food I have had at every Italian place in New York City could
somehow taste anew all over again.
Next was
intermission. I call it this because this is the space between two courses
where you literally need to come up for air. In a restaurant you cant determine
if you will be rushed out for another party coming in. I am happy to report
that we had more than enough time to schmooze with each other. It didn’t even
feel like a dinner at a open restaurant. It felt like an intimate party. Then
it was time to eat again.
Entrees
were coming towards us left and right. There were a lot of specials ordered
including the veal or pork chops. When they arrived it looked like they
belonged in the American Museum of Natural History.
I was one
of the few people who had ordered pasta, but it was Sunday. I was smart and
knew that I would choose something special from a menu that was the biggest I
have ever seen. My choice was the Tortellini MarcAntonio served in a spicy
vodka sauce with “button” size Portobello mushrooms. For me it was an unusual
choice given how little I care for tortellini in general. But something about
this dish was drawing me in. I cannot believe what I ate.
The sauce
was just right, not too spicy. The mushrooms provided creamy accents and those
tortellinis were grown in God’s garden. I may not have been able to finish my
plate that night (you know we all had doggie bags to go home with) but I was
full and happy with my decision. That is more than I usually get.
For
dessert, yes there is always room, there were dishes serving up small bites of
signature Italian desserts. I naturally tried the Tiramisu because I love it
so. It too was light and not over made with the liquor or espresso. It was the
perfect combination.
Ok as if
all of the above was not proof enough that you need to visit the Pines I will
show you the final card I am holding. The good news here is that yet another
brilliant, talented man named Frankie is beyond all of this. You know how I
love a man named Frankie (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2015/04/for-my-two-favorite-frankies-frankies.html)!
Here it
is Frankie Bastone who opened the original family restaurant that is now F
& J’s Pine Restaurant in 1969. I spoke to a customer who remembers as far
back as twenty-five years ago when the shop only consisted of a small space
with the wood burning pizza oven glowing in the background. To see it now you
would never suspect that it wasn’t always this gorgeous Italian restaurant that
seems to be packed to the hills all day and night.
The name
on the invitations sounded familiar to me but I wouldn’t make the connection
until later that evening. When I arrived the smells were calling my name. A
relative that had eaten here before told me all about the delicious creations
but I am not a believer. I need to see or eat it for myself. Now looking back I
think he really undersold it.
The name
“Pine” sounded so familiar but only on the drive home did I know my instant was
correct. As a chronic migraine patient I am very often at Montefiore Hospital
in the Bronx. There is one giant building that I must go to after every
appointment. That is the Pine Restaurant. It is one of my favorite places of
all time. I crave their coconut shrimp for days. It actually makes the forty
Botox shots I get each time I go hurt a little less.
The
branding was the same at both places. Turns out my “Pine” was the latest in
their expanding company. They even have cafes in two office buildings nearby.
If strong meds and amazing food does not cure what ails you (at least for the
time being) there is little hope for you.
I have to
apologize to my readers as well as myself as this is my second blog in a row
where the photography is lacking. I had my phone in my hand when the appetizers
arrived but I threw it down in an attempt to get food as fast as I could. There
was no time for pictures. It was survival of the fittest. Sadly the results are
I have only one photo, as you see above, of my entrée. I think it sums it all
up well.
I would
like to conclude my review with a more personal note. It is in reference to
this past weekends Fun Family Day. I got to see a bunch of my cousins
(different cousins than above and yes I have that many) and it was nice to
catch-up. I also got to meet some of the smaller members of my family, which
was a lot of laughs and fun. The food, homemade, was ridiculous. It was so good
I have mentioned it in conversation everyday since I left.
With all
of that being said, I am counting down to this weekend where I get to do it all
over again, this time with as many cousins as we can gather.
Fore More
Information:
Food was delicious and we had a nice time.
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